Olas

rap

Olas is a band of musicians and dancers from Portland, Maine, heavily influenced by Andalusian Flamenco and Arabic folk music, translated through a blend of American folk, rock, West African, and Afro-Cuban sounds, palmas, original Spanish verse, and Contemporary Flamenco choreographies. Their work is all original and works to celebrate the power and importance of music and dance. Olas is a quilt. Each added square and patched tear has infused a greater richness, a true commitment to why we come together to make music and dance. We do it because it is based on love. Simple. This newest project was created within a very poignant, at times turbulent, at times beautiful, few years. There were travels rich with hard good-byes, letters, phone calls, and joyous reunions. We studied and built new muscle memory and courage. More of us became teachers, and simultaneously students once again. One of us found love on a small island in Greece and brought a new member to our family. Other loved ones left us, a sister, a father, a mother, passing like sudden and saddening gusts, held in memory, photos, lyrics and heart. And still others, Aleta Louise and Suzanna Rose, were born. Their brother and safe-keeper, Javi Lee, turned four and can tell you the history of dinosaurs, the geography of Western China, and can keep a syncopated beat like it’s no big deal. As life goes, hearts were broken and mended stronger. Illness came, descending with deeper appreciation and a nine-o-clock praye...